Official control biotoxin monitoring (live bivalve molluscs) programme (Scotland)
Information relating to biotoxin testing within Scottish waters for the period Wednesday 3 September to Tuesday 9 September.
Weekly biotoxin monitoring results
Previous biotoxin monitoring results
In addition to the results from this week the results from the previous three weeks are also available.
Biotoxin monitoring results from 8 days ago
Biotoxin monitoring results from 7 days ago
Biotoxin monitoring results from 21 days ago
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) pre-screen method implementation for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)
Changes to the statutory monitoring programme for marine biotoxins in Scotland took affect from 6 May 2008. The changes concern the testing for PSP toxins in mussels only.
The Agency has approved the use of a chemical method, HPLC , as a quantitative assay for the testing of PSP toxins in mussels.
The results for the PSP test will continue to be reported as a single figure and in terms of micrograms STX eq/kg shellfish tissue, similarly to the MBA. Please note that the current statutory maximum permitted limit of 800 micrograms STX eq/kg (80µg/100g) shellfish tissue remains unaltered.
Where the result is less than 16µg/100g the result will be noted as <RL meaning less than reporting limit. You will be aware that alert level is between 40-79µg/100g and there is no change to this practice.
Should you have any queries about the adoption of this method or the monitoring programme as a whole, please contact Lorna Murray on 01224 285 114, or email lorna.murray@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
Phytoplankton monitoring
Phytoplankton monitoring is being carried by Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) on behalf of the Food Standards Agency Scotland.
Water samples are collected from designated shellfish growing areas and analyzed, by light microscopy, for various species of phytoplankton.
Alert Level Phytoplankton concentrations have been set as per the table below and harvesters should take the necessary precautions if wanting to harvest under alert conditions.
| Biotoxin | Phytoplankton | Alert |
|---|---|---|
| PSP | Alexandrium (Saxitoxin) |
Greater than 0 cells/litre of Alexandrium |
| DSP | Dinophysis (Okadaic Acid) |
Greater than or equal to 100 cells/litre of Dinophysis, and by historical data. |
| ASP | Pseudo-nitzschia (Domoic Acid) |
Greater than or equal to 50,000 cells/litre of Pseudo-nitzschia, and/or historical data |
Testing results
Latest phytoplankton monitoring results
previous results
phytoplankton monitoring results from 8 days ago
phytoplankton monitoring results from 7 days ago
phytoplankton monitoring results from 21 days ago
Should you require any further information regarding harvesting or the interpretation of results, please contact your local authority or the Food Standards Agency Scotland for advice.
Further information
The maximum permitted levels of biotoxins in shellfish are as follows:
PSP: 80 micrograms/100 grams
ASP: 20 micrograms/grams
DSP: DSP must not be present
For details of any Temporary Closure Notices and/or Warning Notices please contact your Local Authority Environmental Health Officer for advice.
The absence of information does not necessarily mean the area is free of biotoxins.
Shellfish processors are reminded that their products must comply with all the statutory requirements of the above regulations.
Please note that this report reflects the biotoxin results reported on Tuesday of each week. The Biotoxin hotline has been discontinued.
contact
Should you have any queries about the adoption of the HPLC method or the monitoring programme as a whole, please contact:
Lorna Murray
tel: 01224 285 114
email: lorna.murray@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk